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Former Cypress Hill Back-Up Singer Sues Rockstar Games For Using Life To Sell Video Game

Since the 2003 release, “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” has not only inspired other games in the series, but also made more than $1 billion in profits and now someone wants in on it.

According to published reports, Michael “Shagg” Washington is suing Rockstar Games for allegedly stealing parts of his life and using his image in the widely popular game.

Wahington, who is a former back-up singer for Cypress Hill and model, is charging Rockstar with misappropriation of likeness and copyright infringement.

In the complaint filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Washington states that he became aware if the situation and approached Rockstar about the issue in 2003, but was never compensated.

“The plaintiff had never seen the game. He did not own or play video games, but it seemed possible that he had been included in the game. He then recalled the meeting in or about 2003, and it began to dawn on him that his image had been stolen for the game. Upon examination of images of ‘CJ’ and comparison to his photos from that year and other evidence, it became clear that Rockstar (the developer of Grand Theft Auto) had stolen his image and never paid him.”

Washington is reportedly listed among the “GTA: San Andreas” credits, is suing for $250 million in the above lawsuit.

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